A resource manager transforms the MPEG7 descriptors into an active and composite storage, processing, and presentation component in a storage area network (e.g. iSCSI). The active component can enable fast search and retrival operation directly on the logical disk blocks which maps well with the multimedia video stream and images data. It can also support content addressable search on the video and image files and play the media blocks directly. In addition, it enables a dynamic configuration of a media processing function after it is loaded in an execution environment. The data block is moved from the iSCSI interface directly into processing modules and presentation modules via decoder, buffer, and constraint control units.